Bow Wedge

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for providing support for a rider in a boat comprising a boat including an interior cavity at one end of the boat. A bow wedge unit detachably positioned within the interior cavity of a bow of the boat, wherein the bow wedge unit having a first shape matching a second shape of the bow. One or more strings and one or more fasteners detachably coupled to the bow wedge unit, wherein the one or more strings and the one or more fasteners are utilized to position the bow wedge unit at the interior cavity of the bow of the boat.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 63/046,065, filed Jun. 30, 2020, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure related generally to boating technology and morespecifically to a bow wedge for bow-loaded boats.

BACKGROUND

During rowing, the coxswain either sits at the stern or lies in the bowof the boat. In bow-loaded boats, the coxswain lies semi-supine in thebow rather than being seated at the stern. FIG. 1 shows one example ofthe bow 100 of the bow-loaded boat. The coxswain lies in the coxswainseat 102. The coxswain neck rest 104 provides support for the coxswain'sneck. FIG. 2 shows the interior 106 of the bow 100. Foot plates 108 areprovided for the coxswain within the interior 106 of the bow 100. Thecoxswain lies in the hollow portion 110 in the interior 106 of the bow100.

A coxswain in a bow-loaded boat traditionally inserts a life jacket or abeach ball into the hollow portion 110 in the interior 106 of the bow100 to help prevent the coxswain from sliding while in the bow-loadedboat. However, this requires the coxswain to find miscellaneous itemssuch as a life jacket and beach ball. Moreover, even if such items arefound and used, these items may move as the boat moves, and thus may notbe helpful in positioning the coxswain or preventing them from slidingas the boat moves.

SUMMARY

The disclosed relates to providing support for a rider in a boatincluding an interior cavity at one end of the boat. A bow wedge unitdetachably positioned within the interior cavity of a bow of the boat,wherein the bow wedge unit having a first shape matching a second shapeof the bow. One or more strings and one or more fasteners detachablycoupled to the bow wedge unit, wherein the one or more strings and theone or more fasteners are utilized to position the bow wedge unit at theinterior cavity of the bow of the boat.

A method of manufacturing a bow wedge apparatus for providing supportfor a rider in a boat including providing a boat including an interiorcavity at one end of the boat. Detachably positioning a bow wedge unitwithin the interior cavity of a bow of the boat, wherein the bow wedgeunit having a first shape matching a second shape of the bow. Detachablypositioning one or more strings and one or more fasteners to the bowwedge unit, wherein the one or more strings and the one or morefasteners are utilized to position the bow wedge unit at the interiorcavity of the bow of the boat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the bow of a boat;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the interior of the bow of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a bow wedge accordingto aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the exemplary bow wedge of FIG. 3inserted into the interior of the bow of FIG. 2 according to aspects ofthe present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a bow wedge beinginserted into a bow according to aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments are directed to addressing the above challengesfaced by a coxswain of a bow-loaded boat. Various embodiments aredirected to providing a bow wedge (named as BowWedge) configured to beinserted into a bow-loaded boat. The bow wedge is an insert a coxswaincan use to prevent the coxswain from sliding back and forth while in abow-loaded boat. Bow wedges provided according to aspects of the presentdisclosure are configured to stay in the same position within the boatas the boat moves, unlike a life jacket or a beach ball.

FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of a bow wedge 112 configured according toaspects of the present disclosure. The bow wedge 112 is configured tomatch the contour of the bow 100. For example, the bow wedge 112 has apointed edge configured to match the edge of the bow. The bow wedge 112has two strings 114 attached to its sides. The strings 114 areconfigured to allow pulling the bow wedge 112 from within the bow. Thestrings 114 may be snapped together at their respective ends 116 to forma handle for carrying the bow wedge.

FIG. 4 shows the exemplary bow wedge 112 inserted into the interior 106of the bow 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. As shownin FIG. 4, the bow wedge 112 matches the shape of the bow 100. Thestrings 114 attached to opposite sides of the bow wedge allow it to bepulled out of the bow.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a triangular bowwedge 120 being inserted into a bow 122. In this embodiment, thetriangular shape of the bow wedge 120 matches that of the bow 122 suchthat the bow wedge fills at least the front portion of the interior ofthe bow. In other embodiments, the bow wedge may have other shapes andconfigurations.

In some embodiments, the bow wedge may be positioned in the bow suchthat the coxswain lies on top of the bow wedge and the bow wedge booststhe coxswain into position. In other embodiments, the bow wedge may bepositioned on top of the coxswain's legs after the coxswain lies in thebow. In other embodiments, the bow wedge may be foldable and may bepositioned such that the coxswain's legs lie between folded portions ofthe bow wedge.

Some embodiments of the bow wedge may be custom made. For example, someembodiments may be custom made to fit a particular type of boat. Forexample, the bow wedge may be configured based on the size of the bowfor a specific boat. Other embodiments may be custom made for anindividual coxswain. For example, the bow wedge may be configured toallow a specific coxswain to be positioned ideally within the bow of aboat. In various embodiments, the bow wedge may be customized both withrespect to a specific boat and a specific individual.

Some embodiments of the bow wedge may be configured to be adjustable.For example, the bow wedge may be height adjustable and may take intoaccount the depth of the boat to give the coxswain the perfect position.The bow wedge may be width adjustable and may have an adjustablethickness. In one example, an adjustable bow wedge may be configured tofit within a variety of different boats or to help position differentindividuals within the bow. In one embodiment, the bow wedge may beconfigured to extend and/or contract along one or more dimensions. Forexample, the bow wedge may have a telescoping structure. In anotherembodiment, the bow wedge may be configured to be inflatable and/ordeflatable. In some embodiments, a bow wedge may be a single integralcomponent. In other embodiments, the bow wedge may comprise multipleparts that may be coupled together to form the bow wedge. In oneembodiment, a modular bow wedge may allow the use of a custom number ofmodules or blocks configured to couple or decouple to lengthen orshorten the bow wedge in one or more dimensions for use in a particularboat or for use by a specific individual.

Various embodiments of the bow wedge may be configured to comply withany applicable regulations. Various embodiments of the bow wedges may beconfigured to comply with weight limitations. For example, variousembodiments of the bow wedges may comprise a lightweight material.Embodiments may be made of any material. In one example, the bow wedgemay comprise a plastic material. In another example, the bow wedge maycomprise a foam material. In another example, the bow wedge may comprisean inflatable material, that is a material configured to expand. The bowwedge may be comprise a gaseous material such as air. Variousembodiments may comprise a water resistant or a water proof material. Insome embodiments, the bow wedge may comprise material that is able toact as a floatation device. Thus, in such embodiments, the bow wedge mayadditionally serve as a floatation device.

Some embodiments of the bow wedge may include strings attached to it tomake it easy to remove the bow wedge from the interior of the bow. Otherembodiments may use other pulling mechanisms or other types of handles.In some embodiments, the strings attached to the bow wedge may snaptogether for easily carrying the bow wedge. In other embodiments, thestrings may be coupled by other types of fasteners.

Various embodiments of the bow wedge may be configured to couple to thebow of the bow-loaded boat. For example, embodiments of the bow wedgemay comprise one or more fasteners for coupling the bow wedge to aportion of the interior of the bow. In other embodiments, the bow wedgemay be configured to fit tightly into the hollow portion of the bow of abow-loaded boat without any fasteners.

Embodiments may also provide methods of positioning a coxswain in abow-loaded boat. In one embodiment, the method may comprise providing abow wedge configured according to aspects of the present disclosure. Themethod may comprise positioning a bow wedge configured according toaspects of the present disclosure within the bow of a bow-loaded boat.

This disclosure is not limited to the particular systems, devices andmethods described, as these may vary. The terminology used in thedescription is for the purpose of describing the particular versions orembodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope.

Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from itsspirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of thedisclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent tothose skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Suchmodifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope ofthe appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by theterms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalentsto which such claims are entitled. It is to be understood that thisdisclosure is not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds,compositions or biological systems, which can, of course, vary. It isalso to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intendedto be limiting.

As used in this document, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art. Nothing in this disclosure is to be construed as anadmission that the embodiments described in this disclosure are notentitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. Asused in this document, the term “comprising” means “including, but notlimited to.”

While various compositions, methods, and devices are described in termsof “comprising” various components or steps (interpreted as meaning“including, but not limited to”), the compositions, methods, and devicescan also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various componentsand steps, and such terminology should be interpreted as definingessentially closed-member groups.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, termsused herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of theappended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” theterm “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,”etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if aspecific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such anintent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence ofsuch recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one”or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articlesused to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specificnumber of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should beinterpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the barerecitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at leasttwo recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in thoseinstances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C,etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the senseone having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “asystem having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not belimited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and Btogether, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and Ctogether, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “atleast one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a constructionis intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understandthe convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” wouldinclude but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, Calone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A,B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those withinthe art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting twoor more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, ordrawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities ofincluding one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. Forexample, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include thepossibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are describedin terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individualmember or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and allpurposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, allranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subrangesand combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easilyrecognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range beingbroken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths,tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein canbe readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third,etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all languagesuch as “up to,” “at least,” and the like include the number recited andrefer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges asdiscussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in theart, a range includes each individual member.

Various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, oralternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systemsor applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipatedalternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may besubsequently made by those skilled in the art, each of which is alsointended to be encompassed by the disclosed embodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for use in a boat cavity, theapparatus comprising: a bow wedge unit for detachably positioning withinthe boat cavity, the bow wedge unit including a first shape; and one ormore fasteners detachably coupled to the bow wedge unit, wherein the oneor more fasteners are utilized to position the bow wedge unit at theinterior cavity of the bow of a boat.
 2. The bow wedge apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the bow wedge unit is made of an inflatable material.3. The bow wedge apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bow wedge unit ismade of a lightweight material.
 4. The bow wedge apparatus of claim 1,wherein the bow wedge unit is made of any one of a foam material, awater resistant, or a water proof material.
 5. The bow wedge apparatusof claim 1, wherein the bow wedge unit has a height adjusting module toadjust a height of the bow wedge apparatus.
 6. The bow wedge apparatusof claim 1, wherein the bow wedge unit has a width adjusting module toadjust a width of the bow wedge unit.
 7. The bow wedge apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the shape of the bow wedge apparatus matches a contourof a bow the boat.
 8. The bow wedge apparatus of claim 1, wherein thebow wedge unit has a pointed edge that is configured to match an edge ofthe bow.
 9. The bow wedge apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bow wedgeunit has a triangular shape.
 10. The bow wedge apparatus of claim 1,wherein the first shape of the bow wedge matches a second shape of thebow of the boat.
 11. A method of manufacturing a bow wedge apparatus forproviding support for a rider in a boat, the method comprising:providing a boat including an interior cavity at one end of the boat;detachably positioning a bow wedge unit within the interior cavity of abow of the boat, wherein the bow wedge unit having a first shapematching a second shape of the bow; and detachably positioning one ormore strings and one or more fasteners to the bow wedge unit, whereinthe one or more strings and the one or more fasteners are utilized toposition the bow wedge unit at the interior cavity of the bow of theboat.
 12. The method as set forth in claim 10, wherein the bow wedgeunit is made of an inflatable material.
 13. The method as set forth inclaim 10, wherein the bow wedge unit is made of a lightweight material.14. The method as set forth in claim 10, wherein the bow wedge unit ismade of any one of a foam material, a water resistant, or a water proofmaterial.
 15. The method as set forth in claim 10, wherein the bow wedgeunit has a height adjusting module to adjust a height of the bow wedgeunit.
 16. The method as set forth in claim 10, wherein the bow wedgeunit has a width adjusting module to adjust a width of the bow wedgeunit.
 17. The method as set forth in claim 10, wherein the shape of thebow wedge apparatus matches a contour of the bow.
 18. The method as setforth in claim 10, wherein the bow wedge unit has a pointed edge that isconfigured to match an edge of the bow.
 19. The method as set forth inclaim 10, wherein the bow wedge unit has a triangular shape.